Mario Kart DS Hints V (DS)

The acclaimed Mario Kart series has gone wireless, letting players race and battle with up to eight karts at once, regardless of whether everyone has a game card. An all-star cast that includes Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, Bowser and Toad will round out a truly all-star lineup of more than 30 courses, drawn from every Mario Kart game. Additionally, these very popular characters have certain advantages and disadvantages, and players need to choose carefully who they want to race with, against all of the different types of competitors.

Players will tour courses from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, not to mention brand-new tracks and arenas. With all the crazy items and frantic speeds players have come to expect, this game is a Mario Kart fan's dream. The title has a new dimension of fun, since competitors can battle others around the world, by connecting to Nintendo's new wireless gaming service, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Although it had different release dates, like November 2005 for North America and Europe as opposed to December 2005 for Japan, the game gained critical acclaim for offering players the same fun adventure found on all of the other titles in the Mario Kart series. Critics praised the title for the individualization of its characters and for the diversity of tracks on which players could race one another. Moreover, the wacky weapons the karts are fitted with provide an even more enjoyable experience.

HINTS

Recovery boost

If you fall off the stage (for example, fall or roll off the course in DK Pass, Desert Hills, etc.), Lakitu will pick you up. He will drop you, afterwards. As soon as your kart hits the ground, press A. You will get a boost. This is a good way to make up some time.

Drafting

If you are in second place or worse, follow the opponent ahead of you very closely. You will see lines on the sides of your kart. Follow close for long enough, and a large air wave will appear in front of you. This increases your car's top speed momentarily, and allows you to push aside other karts, even if you are light. When the wave vanishes, your speed will return to normal.

Higher jump

To jump higher when you are going over a jump, press R. This requires some practice and precise timing.

Here's a Japanese ad for this game: